Making the case

1. In 1999, approximately $2.1 billion of the total direct costs to Canada’s healthcare system were attributable to physical inactivity.
2. Physical inactivity contributes to an increased risk of obesity.  14% of 20- to 64-year-old males in Canada are considered obese. 12% of similar-aged females in Canada are obese.

Health benefits

1. Physical activity is associated with a 20-30% risk reduction in all causes of mortality.
2. Occupational and leisure-time physical activity are generally associated with reduced symptoms of depression.
3. Changes in lifestyle can substantially reduce the development of type 2 diabetes in middle-aged adults at high risk for diabetes. The lifestyle intervention included better diet, increased physical activity and modest weight loss

Environmental benefits

1. Evidence shows that improved cycling and walking facilities mean greater participation. The percentage of commuters who cycle is three times greater in communities with substantial bicycle lanes.
2. A clear majority of Canadians would ideally like to walk (82%) and or cycle (66%) more than they do. In fact 70% of Canadians agree that if there was dedicated bike lanes taking them to work in less than 30 minutes at a comfortable pace they would definitely use them.
3. A four mile round trip by bicycle prevents the production of 15 lbs. of air pollution.
4. A family that walks 2 miles a day instead of driving will, in one year, prevent 730 pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere.
5. Active living protects and promotes a healthy environment by encouraging Canadians to participate in outdoor activities like walking, cycling and gardening. Environmental benefits are achieved when Canadians choose active modes of transportation such as walking, cycling or in-line skating rather than using their cars for a few more trips per week. Active living can contribute to decreasing air pollution.
6. Through active outdoor physical activities (walking, gardening and cycling), Canadians not only improve their health but also help the environment

Economic benefits

1. 1.5 Million in health care cost could be saved with just a 10% INCREASE IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Sources

Making the case

1. Bruce, M.J. and Katzmarzyk, P.T. (2002). Canadian population trends in leisure-time physical activity levels, 1981-1998. Canadian Journal of Applied Physiology, 27(6), pp. 681-90.
2. Tremblay, M.S., Katzmarzyk, P.T., and Willms, J.D. (2002). Temporal trends in overweight and obesity in Canada, 1981-1996. International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders, 26(4), 538-43.

Health benefits

1. Murphy, M., Nevill, A., Neville, C., Biddle, S., and Hardman, A. (2002). Accumulating brisk walking for fitness, cardiovascular risk, and psychological health. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 34(9), pp. 1468-74.
2. Dunn, A.L., Trivedi, M.H., and O’Neal, H.A. (2001). Physical activity dose-response effects on outcomes of depression and anxiety. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 33(6: supplement), pp. S587-97.

Environmental benefits

1. National survey on Active Transportation, Go for Green, 1998
2. Environics, 1998
3. World Watch Institute. http://www.activetransportation.org/environment.htm
4. http://www.activetransportation.org/environment.htm
5. http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/pau-uap/fitness/evidence.html
6. http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/pau-uap/fitness/evidence.html

Economic benefits

1. Kazmarzyk, P. et al(2000) Economic Cost of Physical inactivity. Canadian Medical association Journal.